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HOUSETRAINING AND
WELCOMING THE ADOPTED DOG
written by Carol L. Sumbry ~ Thank You Carol!
As you have probably read, housetraining the
Italian Greyhound can be a very difficult task. Not being housetrained is the number one reason IG are surrendered into our
program. It is possible to successfully house train an IG and it can be done regardless of the dog's age. It's often a 365
day a year job and a way of life. House training is something you should never take for granted. House training an IG is very
different from house training a large breed. If you approach it in this manner along with an understanding and appreciation
of the unique personality of the breed and a lifetime commitment, you can have success. Praise and consistency are the keys.
First
and foremost, treat your new rescue dog as if he/she is not house trained. Although the dog may have done very well in this
department at the foster home, the dog is now facing a new environment with new smells and new rules, so start from scratch.
Take the dog out often and COMMUNICATE WITH THE DOG WHAT YOU EXPECT IN VERY CLEAR TERMS. How is that
done? It's simple...
through correction and praise. Do not let the dog out of your sight or let accidents happen. If you do catch the dog making
a mistake, quickly say "NO" and take the dog outside. When the dog potties outside, immediately praise the dog. In this manner
you are correcting any unwanted behavior and praising the desired behavior, making your message clear from a dog's perspective.
(Note corrections and praise must be done within 1-2 seconds to be effective!)
SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE HOUSE
TRAINING EASIER...
FEEDING
Feed a high quality food because it will be absorbed better and there will be less waste. Feed at a scheduled
time(s) each day allowing 15-20 minutes to eat. Do NOT open feed. Do not withhold water as dogs, like people, should have
access to fresh water whenever they are thirsty.
ELIMINATION SCHEDULE
Take the dog out first thing in the morning, shortly after eating, after confinement, after extensive play or
excitement and prior to retiring for the night. Keep a chart and log every elimination until you become
accustomed to your
dog's schedule. Keep the dog on a set schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit and do very well when they have a routine to follow.
Try to establish a set potty routine based on your dog's needs and your schedule.
TEACH ELIMINATION ON COMMAND
Take the dog out often and use a command
like "Go Potty". If the dog goes when given the command, praise lavishly. If not, bring the dog in and confine the dog or
keep the dog with you (see "Supervision" info below)
and try again in another hour, repeating the process described above.
Do NOT play with the dog or allow the dog to play outdoors until AFTER he does his job. Then play can be used as a reward.
Use body language, such
as standing with arms folded, to also convey that this is potty time.
SUPERVISION AND LIMITING FREEDOM
Until completely trained, a dog
should either be confined or in your sight at all times. This allows for immediate praise and corrections and prevents mistakes.
An umbilical is another means of limiting freedom and is done by leashing a dog to your waist. This allows for constant supervision
and many behaviorists believe this also strengthens the bond between pet and owner and can calm an excitable dog. Baby gates
also can be helpful in supervision. However care should be taken as to where these are placed (keep away from stairs) as IGs
are jumpers and will often jump a baby gate and can even trap a leg in it. The discriminate use of a crate is not only helpful
but imperative for training this breed. See more crating information below.
CORRECTIONS/PRAISE
Correction or praise should be given within 1-2 seconds
of the activity to be effective. It is useless to correct a dog for behavior he did hours ago or even minutes ago... you must
catch him in the act!!!!! Many dog
owners will say "he knew he did wrong". No he didn't. He knew by your tone and your
body language that you were mad but he forgot he had an accident hours ago!
If you catch the dog beginning to use the bathroom
indoors, immediately say "No" and pick him up and take him outside. To further reinforce good potty habits, find a treat your
dog absolutely loves.. something extra special like deli meat or cheese. Put the treat in your pocket and as soon as he goes
potty outside, praise and reward. (Keep in mind...1-2 seconds for effectiveness). This extra step really helps in the initial
housetraining stages and should be used the first
week or two to really reinforce the desired behavior.
Praise, praise and more praise. This is crucial for this breed. They do NOT respond to harsh words or punishment. For the
life of your dog, continue to praise
the dog at least once a day to encourage the behavior. Do this FOREVER to continue
good potty habits.
CLEAN UP
Use
a product specifically designed for eliminating odors such as Nature's Miracle, Outright, or vinegar & water. These products
will discourage the pet from picking up the scent and soiling the same area again. (Ammonia, carpet cleaning products, etc.
are not the same.. you must use a product designed for this purpose). You can also use these products in the washer if a dog
has soiled his bedding by adding 1/4-1/2 cup per load. Do NOT let the dog see you or watch you clean up his "mistakes". When
dogs are very young, their mother cleans up their elimination and this is a positive thing to a young pup. Some behaviorists
believe that even older dogs will associate watching their owner clean up the mess with this younger positive behavior. Therefore,
do not let him see you clean it up, but by the same theory it IS good for him to see you clean up his correct eliminations
outdoors.
CRATES
Crates can be a very
positive, important tool in house training and overall training areas. Crating is NOT cruel as dogs are den animals and should
have their own "room".. a space they can feel safe in and retreat to when stressed or tired. Crates should be used for no
longer than 4 hour intervals. A dog should not be crated while an owner works all day. Think about it - you use the
bathroom
at work - why would you expect your dog to hold it all day?? Also, small dogs = small bladders. A crate should be large enough
for a dog to lie down in and turn around. A crate that is too large will give a dog the opportunity to mess in one area and
lie in another. Always make the crate a "great" place to be for your dog. Make the crate a positive place by feeding all meals
in the crate and also having special treats that are only given in the crate. A Kong toy filled with cream cheese and/or treats
is an excellent distraction from your departure and will keep the dog occupied. Warm
blankets from the dryer or placing
the crate near a heat vent will also encourage crate use for this breed that loves warmth. Teach the dog the command "Kennel"
before he enters his crate. If the dog is resistant to a crate initially, continue to give ALL meals and treats in the crate.
Then place the dog in the crate but do not leave the room. Allow the dog to remain in the crate for just minutes, gradually
increasing the time and eventually leaving the room and then the house for short intervals. The goal is to condition the animal
to see the crate as positive and short term and to assure him that you are
returning. Never let a dog out of the crate
until he is quiet. Otherwise he will quickly learn he can get out of his crate by exhibiting negative behavior. When you let
the dog out of the crate, do not make a big deal out of his exit. This just confirms to him that "whew! glad you are out of
that awful place". Also, ignore a dog that is having problems with crate training 20-30 minutes before placing him in the
crate. Play soothing music or a sound machine for the dog while he is crated. Put dim lighting on to encourage quiet time.
(Do not take a crate away from a crate trained dog ever. You can use it less or even keep the door open but a crate is
like the dog having his/her own room. Having a crate trained dog will make life much easier for you and the dog IF the
dog ever needs surgery and quiet recovery time, if the dog ever has to be boarded, if you decide to travel with your dog for
the purpose of staying in a hotel and for safety in the car. A crate trained dog can go almost anywhere! Remember crates
are NOT cruel..it's like a dog's mobile home!)
OTHER TIPS
Watch for and learn your dog's signals. Most Italian Greyhounds will NOT go to the door and bark, but most will
give you a subtle signal. Watch for that and learn it. If your dog does give you a signal, praise him and respond immediately.
Consider placing a bell on a string at the door. Take the dog's paw and tap the bell and praise him each time before going
out. Many people have great success with paper training or using a boot tray, large plastic container lid, or plastic
under-the-bed sweaterbox with potty pads for their dogs to use, especially in cold weather. Again, consistency and praise
are the keys here. Placing these items by the back door make an indoor/outdoor transition a little easier.
HOUSE BREAKING AND WINTER WEATHER
Consider building a shelter
from the wind and cold in winter months outdoors. An ex-pen or old wire crate set up with a tarp covering can be an excellent
shelter from the wind, snow, sleet and other nasty weather. Place this shelter either near the door, on your deck, or near
your dog's favorite potty spot. Encourage your dog to use the shelter area by placing the dog in the area and also by placing
his/her stool in the area initially. Boys especially seem to be drawn to the plastic tarp and use it almost immediately once
they discover that it isn't as cold in there. IGs hate the cold, so keep the snow shoveled and an area that is somewhat protected
to encourage good potty habits throughout the cold months. A sweater and or boots can help get you through those cold nights.
Keep a few sweaters near the heat vents so the dogs can go out with a little warmth. Last but not least (and I can not
stress this one enough)...BUNDLE UP YOURSELF! Why?? Because if you go out with your IG for potty, he will do his business
much better. This is true for several reasons....#1 you know for sure if he is going. #2 if you aren't going to go out with
him, why should he go out? (This is probably what your IG is thinking). #3 you can continue the immediate praise and positive
reinforcement so crucial to having a well trained Italian Greyhound.
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